enemmistöäänestyksestä

Enemmistöäänestys, meaning majority voting in Finnish, is a fundamental concept in democratic processes and decision-making. It refers to a system where a proposal or candidate is accepted or elected if it receives more than half of the votes cast. This is the most common voting method used in elections, referendums, and legislative bodies worldwide.

There are different forms of majority voting. An absolute majority, or an outright majority, requires more than 50% of all eligible votes, regardless of whether all eligible voters participated. In contrast, a simple majority, also known as a plurality, requires only more votes than any other option, even if it does not reach 50% of the total votes. This is often used in systems with more than two choices.

The primary advantage of majority voting is its simplicity and clarity. It provides a straightforward way to determine the will of the majority, which is often seen as the most legitimate outcome in a democratic context. However, it can also lead to situations where a significant minority's preferences are overlooked, potentially causing dissatisfaction or marginalization. The effectiveness and fairness of majority voting can depend on the specific electoral system design and the context in which it is applied.